Thanks to Nat from the Isle of Wight Long Distance Walkers Association for this report. Ed
The Isle of Wight Long Distance Walkers held their annual Beaches, Bars and Blisters three day walk round the Island as part of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival last weekend.
This particular walk also takes place during the May Walking Festival. The three day walk in May is followed by a two day walk round the Island and ends with the epic 24 hour, 73 mile walk in June.
The walk started on Friday 23 October from East Cowes. Day two started in Ventor, where the first day of the walk ended the evening before.
Young and old welcomed
Twenty walkers, and three dogs, joined us on Saturday, including seven who had come to the Island specifically for the walk. One had come from as far as Warrington. Our oldest participant was in his 70s and the youngest was 15.
We started at 8.30am and kept a close eye on the sea in the hope of seeing the dolphins spotted in the bay earlier in the week. Unfortunately they didn’t make an appearance.
Scenic coastal views
Day two of the walk is the most scenic and we were treated to beautiful coastal views as we walked on to Isle of Wight Pearl, where we stopped for a well-earned rest and change of socks.
One of the dogs did a shift change with his brother, Lenny, who completed the second half of the walk. Snoop and Bella, the other dogs, completed the entire walk, in fact Bella even had enough energy for a quick dip at Freshwater Bay!
Pebble-dashed on Tennyson Down
Although it was a bit of a grey day the rain held off. That is until we got to Tennyson Down when the heavens opened and the wind picked up. We were glad to reach Alum Bay after being pebble-dashed over the four miles of Tennyson!
A quick climb up to Headon Warren and we were rewarded with beautiful skies and a glimpse of the sun in the distance.
After 25 miles we finished at Totland. The walk continued from Totland and ended in West Cowes.
A highlight in any walker’s calendar
A fabulous walk which is part of what is now the UK’s biggest walking festival a real highlight in any walker’s calendar.
Find out more about the Walking Festival and Long Distance Walking Association by visiting their Websites.
